June 2, 2007

Banks, politicians and developers give millions to WTC memorial

AP via Newsday
By AMY WESTFELDT

The mayor had to release the list of the project's largest donors because the city's Conflict of Interest board requires public officials who solicit donations to disclose any gift over $5,000.
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Many major developers building huge projects in the city gave millions: Forest City Ratner Cos., in charge of the Atlantic Yards project in Brooklyn, and trade center developer Larry Silverstein each gave $5 million, as well as Related Cos.
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The conflict of interest board also bans officials from overseeing government business with major donors.

The report to the city listed 17 anonymous donors, one who gave at least $2 million. In a letter to the conflict-of-interest board, special counsel to the mayor Anthony Crowell said that two of the donors "have business dealings with the executive branch of city government." But Bloomberg and first deputy mayor Patricia Harris, also a foundation board member, "have not exercised any decision making role with regard to these business matters," Crowell said.